If you’re craving barbecue and southern comfort food, The Happy Tomato delivers (literally, if you’re on the island). This local favorite eaterie features fresh salads, deli sandwiches, and mouthwatering barbecue — all at affordable prices.

Chef and owner Richard Bolton brings creativity to the menu, drawing on years of experience at top resorts and restaurants, and he makes sure you always leave happy!

Tucked in a prime location on S 3rd Street in downtown Fernandina Beach (you’ll smell it before you see it), The Happy Tomato has been tantalizing tastebuds since 2007 when Chef Richard hung up his corporate chef’s hat for a tee shirt and started cooking killer barbecue. And we are all the luckier (and plumper) for it.

Sandwiches, like The Monster Club, are a meat lovers dream with slices of succulent roast beef, ham, and turkey piled high with bacon and cheese; while vegetarians crave the West Coast Veggie served with vine ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts, and guacamole (add spicy tofu for an extra kick). All sandwiches are served on white, wheat, rye, or croissants and come with sides of chips, pasta salad, potato salad or coleslaw.

The barbecue is the main star of the show, however, with sandwiches featuring tender Pulled Smoked Pork or Turkey and served with pickle slices and potato chips. If you’re feeling extra daring, try The Max – pulled pork topped with pimento cheese for a delicious twist. Skip the bun and order a hearty plate that includes choices like half chicken, pulled pork, or smoked turkey, each served with two classic sides (baked beans, coleslaw, or potato salad). Rib lovers won’t be able to resist either the combo of ribs and chicken or just these amazing ribs alone.

Want something a little lighter? Try the Fresh Fruit Plate seved with cottage cheese, or the popular Grilled Chicken Breast Salad, topped with dried cranberries, blue cheese, and crunchy croutons. You won’t be disappointed in any of the salads.

Whatever you decide to eat, make sure to save room for a homemade Walnut and Chocolate Chunk Cookie. It’s huge and oh so delicious.

Dine inside or outside in their charming courtyard and enjoy your meal with an iced cold beer or glass of wine. The Happy Tomato is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy some seriously delicious barbecue. Open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except Sundays when Chef Richard cheers on the Jacksonville Jaguars!

Visit them at 7 S 3rd Street.